Three Myths About Business Acquisition That Are Holding You Back

"No money down! Passive income! Buy 17 businesses in a month!" If you’ve spent any time on social media, you’ve probably seen these clickbait claims about buying businesses. And while they generate engagement, they don’t reflect reality.

I’ve been in this space for almost 20 years. I’ve bought multiple companies, advised on over 300 transactions, written a bestselling book on the subject, and built an accelerator that helps serious buyers acquire and grow businesses. I’ve seen what works—and what doesn’t.

Let’s break down three of the biggest myths floating around about buying a business and why believing them could be holding you back.

Myth #1: You Can Buy a Business with No Money

I get it—“no money down” sounds great. And yes, seller financing exists. But if you’re serious about buying a business, you need skin in the game.

Here’s the reality: To successfully buy an existing company, you should have access to at least $100,000. With that, you can qualify for an SBA-backed loan and acquire a business in the top 4% of small companies in the U.S.

What happens if you try to do it with zero money? You end up spending years chasing unrealistic deals, only to hit roadblock after roadblock. Sellers want to see that you’re committed. Banks want to see that you have financial stability. And even if you’re raising outside capital, investors want to know you’re willing to invest in yourself.

No money? No deal.

Myth #2: Buying a Business is Passive Income

One of the biggest misconceptions is that owning a business means sitting back and collecting checks. The truth? Buying a business is an active responsibility, not a passive investment.

Sure, there are businesses that require less hands-on work—think laundromats or car washes. But those aren’t true operating businesses; they’re more like real estate plays. If you’re looking to build real wealth, you need to be engaged in running and growing the company.

Successful acquisition entrepreneurs aren’t looking for a set-it-and-forget-it investment. They’re looking for an opportunity to step in, improve operations, and scale the business. That takes work, time, and leadership.

If you’re not prepared to be hands-on, business ownership may not be the right fit for you.

Myth #3: More Businesses = More Success

"I bought 17 businesses last month!"

No. You didn’t.

There’s a narrative out there that success in business acquisition comes from volume—buying as many businesses as possible, as quickly as possible. But when you look at the most successful entrepreneurs—Steve Jobs, Bill Gates, Warren Buffett—they built one business at a time.

Your focus should be on buying the right business, not the most businesses. Learn how to operate and grow one company before thinking about expanding into a portfolio. If you try to fast-forward through the process, you’ll spread yourself too thin and risk failing across the board.

The Path to Real Success in Business Acquisition

If you want to succeed in this space, here’s what actually works:

• Have capital – At least $100,000 in accessible funds gives you real leverage.
• Commit time – Running a business is an active role, not a side hustle.
• Prioritize quality over quantity – Buy one great business and grow it before thinking about more.

At Acquisition Lab, we built the first elite accelerator in this space for serious buyers who want real success, not just hype. Our members have closed over $300 million in transactions, using proven strategies—not shortcuts.

If you’re ready to buy a business the right way, come join us.

Walker Deibel

WSJ Bestselling Author, Buy Then Build

Creator of Acquisition Lab & founder, Build Wealth

PS: If you want to be part of a vetted community of acquisition entrepreneurs, check out Acquisition Lab. We not only created the industry but have the leading member to acquisition ratio... and by not a little bit.